In April, 1979 twenty-five women living in the northern suburban section of Atlanta met to discuss the possibility of establishing a chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In May, the group submitted an application to Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and in September was accepted as a provisional chapter under the sponsorship of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Atlanta Chapter.
The provisional chapter established a budget, designed a program and carried out community service projects. Over 50 activities for 65 children were planned and completed. The group collected donations for UNICEF, donated books to the North Fulton Child Development Center, gave $200 to the United Negro College Fund and donated food baskets to the needy. The provisional chapter was chartered by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. with 29 members in July 1980 and installed as Jack and Jill of America, Inc., North Suburban Atlanta Chapter on September 14, 1980.
Four family activities are planned each program year: the Jack and Jill Day Family Picnic (September), Family Christmas Celebration (December), Chapter Black History Program (February) and Black Family Day (May). Many chapter wide service projects are scheduled throughout the program year. For many years, we have organized a "New Attitude Clothing Drive and Seminar" for the Metro Transitional Center. The chapter supports the Center for Children and Young Adults through its backpack and school supply drives. Additionally, all age groups are mandated to incorporate service projects into their age group activities.
In the last few years, North Suburban Atlanta Chapter has had the honor of watching several of its own serve Jack and Jill of America, Inc. at both the Regional and National levels.
From 2007-2009, former NSAC President, Tamara Turnley Robinson serves as Southeastern Regional Director. In 2009, she became the National Endorsed Candidate. At the 39th National Convention, Mrs. Robinson was elected National Vice President. During the 40th National Convention in July 2012, Mrs. Robinson was elected as the 23rd National President as Jack and Jill celebrated 75 years of service in its birthplace of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Click here to hear her words from the 2017 Jack and Jill of America Inc. Founders Day.
In addition, former NSAC President Helen Mitchell was appointed Regional Parliamentarian and served the National Foundation. Kim Jones Snipe was appointed to the National Bylaws Committee and Nina Howard served on the National Public Relations and Marketing Committee. In more recent years, Kimberly Fisher and Leslie Lewis have served as Southeastern Region "We Are One" Task Force and Michelle Meadors-Paxton Arnold has served on the Southeastern Regional Logistics Committee.
It is truly wonderful to see the commitment and leadership shown by the mothers of North Suburban Atlanta Chapter.
We all are truly blessed to be a part of an organization such as Jack and Jill, where collectively we strive to mold our children into productive individuals who will be the leaders of tomorrow.